Tenerife to Host Historic Papal Mass Featuring Christ of La Laguna and Virgin of Candelaria
The Christ of La Laguna and the Virgin of Candelaria will be brought together at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife for a historic papal mass during Pope Leo XIV’s visit on June 12.
Preparations for Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the Canary Islands on June 12 are underway, with a historic event planned for Tenerife. For the first time, the Christ of La Laguna and the Virgin of Candelaria will be brought together at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife for a papal mass.
The Christ of La Laguna will be moved from the Royal Sanctuary of Aguere under strict security. Alexis Díaz, representing the Brotherhood of the Christ, confirmed that the transport will focus entirely on the safety and preservation of the historic carving, rather than a traditional procession. Specialized restoration experts will oversee the entire journey to ensure the sculpture remains protected.
The move also highlights the long-standing bond between the Church and the military. The 93rd Field Artillery Regiment (RACA 93) will provide an official escort, continuing a tradition that began in 1922, when the unit credited the image with their survival during the conflict in Morocco. In June 2024, the Military Archbishopric of Spain officially named the Christ the special protector of the regiment.
The transfer is subject to final technical safety checks to ensure the sculpture’s stability. If all goes as planned, the presence of the Christ at the papal Eucharist will mark a historic moment for the islands.